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Martin Frères Grenatex HR

La Monte (with a space) is shown on the inside of the case. The names are reversed for the Grenetex La Monte.

Back in 2008 when I wrote this review, I didn't realize that La Monte, was the maker. So this statement that I made then is probably incorrect:

«I
think it fairly certain that this was made by Malerne, as I have just
seen a Malerne Standard added on eBay with a metal lining on the top
joint.»

That was not certain proof, since I have learned that some
repair shops in the 1950's were able to put metal linings in upper
joints, to fix a broken joint.

Barrel: 63.2mmBore: 14.65

High register

pushed in all the way, old reed

pushed in all the way, new Ontario reed

F

0

E

+9

D

+10

C

+3

B

+2

A

0 to -2

Middle of treble clef

G

0

F

0

E

0

D

0

C

0

B

-8

-3 to 0 if lipping up

Throat tones

Bflat

0 to -3

-8 (0 if lipping up)

A

-12

-10 (0 if lipping up)

G

0

+4 to 0

F

-5

0

E

-7 to 0 lipping

-3 to 0

Chalemeau

D

0

+6

C

+7 to 0

+12

Bflat

+8

+20

A

+8

+20

G

+3

+10

F

+3

E

-6

As
I have said before, I tend to be a hair flatter than normal using the
Legere reeds. When I changed to a real reed (Oliveri #4), I was right
in tune with the throat tones. Then I need to pull at the middle joint
about 1.5mm in order that the middle C would not to be as sharp. The
B-flat was still +20. This lower register sharpness is typical of most
intermediate wooden horns.

This clarinet is really a pretty good
instrument. The Martin Grenatex is better than the average plastic
clarinet. It would be excellent for a beginning clarinet player, and is
even OK for intermediate students.

Since it seems to be hard
rubber, I wondered if it would sound like the Lyrique. I was
disappointed. There is a big tone difference. The Martin Grenatex
sounds less resonant and somewhat brighter. Perhaps this is because of
the metal lining, .1mm smaller bore, and the custom multi-boring of the
Lyrique. I prefer the tone of the Forte clarinet over the Grenatex.
Still, this Martin Freres plays better in tune than many wooden
instruments and will sound great in the right hands.